The next generation of port technologies that will help to keep the British industry trading are being jointly developed by three of the biggest companies in the UK marine industry.
The UK’s biggest port operator Associated British Ports (ABP), the engineering company Rolls-Royce and the towage operator Svitzer, part of the Maersk Group of Denmark, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a workshop at the port of Southampton, part of ABP.
Also at the workshop were representatives from the Department of Transport and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. The MOU means that ABP will work with Rolls-Royce and Svitzer to develop the technologies and systems needed to operate efficiently and sustainably well into the 21st Century.
The MOU was instigated by Mike McCartain, ABP’s Director of Marine & Compliance. He said: “New technologies emerge all the time which offer us exciting additional capabilities and ABP is always looking to make these new technologies work for us and our customers.
“Where a solution does not yet exist, we will work with companies of the calibre and expertise of Rolls-Royce and Svitzer to invent them and bring them into service.
“A sustainable future for ABP means a constant effort To be greener, safer and more efficient so we can continue to play a crucial role in Britain’s economy, industrial infrastructure and local communities.”